Here’s what’s coming up on Texas Standard for Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. Listen on your Texas public radio station, or ask your smart speaker to play Texas Standard. Check back later today for updated story links and audio.
Texas hospitals face Medicaid funding freeze
Texas hospitals are losing access to roughly $26 million a day after the Trump administration halted a major financing program that covers shortfalls in paying for Medicaid patients’ treatments. The dispute could put growing pressure on hospitals and raise questions about services for patients if the funding remains frozen.
Texas Tribune health services reporter Terri Langford joins the Standard with more.
Texas attorney general race enters the fall campaign
With Ken Paxton vacating the office to run for U.S. Senate, Texans will elect a new attorney general this November. Republican Mayes Middleton and Democrat Nathan Johnson are competing to lead an office with broad authority over everything from consumer protection to lawsuits against the federal government.
Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports.
UNT Health graduates its first class of nurses
UNT Health has graduated its first nursing class as Texas continues confronting a shortage of healthcare workers, particularly in North Texas. Among the inaugural graduates are two siblings whose family experiences navigating the medical system helped shape their decision to become nurses and improve access to care.
KERA’s Abigail Ruhman reports.
Our commentator W.F. Strong returns with more of his homespun tales. Some of them are true!
Texas windstorm insurer weighs ending coverage for second homes
The state-backed Texas Windstorm Insurance Association is considering whether to stop insuring some second homes and rental properties along the coast as it looks for ways to reduce rising premiums. Lawmakers and real estate groups warn the proposal could leave properties difficult to insure and disrupt coastal housing markets.
Galveston County Daily News reporter David Mercado joins the Standard with more.
How Austin built its global network of sister cities
For decades, Austin has formed partnerships with cities around the world through the international Sister Cities movement. Those relationships are meant to encourage cultural exchange, economic ties and person-to-person diplomacy — but how are the partnerships created and what do they really accomplish?
KUT’s Luz Moreno-Lozano reports.
Texas approves 400 miles of West Texas transmission lines
State utility regulators have approved more than 400 miles of high-voltage transmission lines across West Texas despite opposition from rural landowners and some lawmakers. Supporters say the projects are necessary to meet rapidly growing electricity demand and reduce blackout risks.
KUT senior energy and environment reporter Mose Buchele reports.
